| Revision as of 21:08, 23 November 2024 editMdcr205 (talk | contribs)4 edits Updated againTags: references removed Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 14:40, 22 January 2025 edit undoVolunteer1990 (talk | contribs)14 edits →Head coaching record: updated final ranking from Coaches' Poll | ||
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| | current_team = ] | | current_team = ] | ||
| | current_conference = ] | | current_conference = ] | ||
| | current_record = |
| current_record = 11–2 <!-- As of games through 12/20/24--> | ||
| | contract = $8 million<ref name="Dellenger2024" /> | | contract = $8 million<ref name="Dellenger2024" /> | ||
| | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1961|6|2}} | | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1961|6|2}} | ||
| | birth_place = ], U.S. | | birth_place = ], U.S. | ||
| | death_date = |
| death_date = | ||
| | death_place = |
| death_place = | ||
| | player_years1 = 1979–1982 | | player_years1 = 1979–1982 | ||
| | player_team1 = ] | | player_team1 = ] | ||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
| | coach_team11 = ] | | coach_team11 = ] | ||
| | coach_years11 = 2024–present | | coach_years11 = 2024–present | ||
| | overall_record = |
| overall_record = 130–37 <!-- As of games through 12/20/24 --> | ||
| | bowl_record = | | bowl_record = 0–1 | ||
| | tournament_record = |
| tournament_record = {{plainlist| | ||
| * 0–1 (]) | |||
| | championships = 1 ] (2012)<br />2 ] (2022, 2023) <br />2 ] (2012, 2015) <br />3 ] (2019–2021) | |||
| * 6–5 (NCAA D-I playoffs) | |||
| | awards = ] Coach of the Year (2012)<br />] Coach of the Year (2017) <br /> CFN ] Coach of the Year (2022) <br />] Coach of the Year (2023)<ref name="2023 SunCOY">{{cite web |title=Sun Belt Announces 2023 Football Postseason Awards & All-Conference Teams |url=https://sunbeltsports.org/news/2023/11/30/sun-belt-announces-2023-football-postseason-awards-all-conference-teams.aspx |website=sunbeltsports.org |access-date=November 30, 2023 |language=en |date=November 30, 2023}}</ref> | |||
| * 4–3 (NCAA D-II playoffs) | |||
| }} | |||
| | championships = {{plainlist| | |||
| * 2 ] (2022, 2023) | |||
| * 1 ] (2012) | |||
| * 2 ] (2012, 2015) | |||
| * 3 ] (2019–2021) | |||
| * 1 ] (2020) | |||
| }} | |||
| | awards = {{plainlist| | |||
| * ] (2024) | |||
| * ] (2024) | |||
| * ] (2024) | |||
| * ] (2024) | |||
| * ] (2024) | |||
| * ] (2024) | |||
| * ] (2024) | |||
| * ] (2023) | |||
| * ] Coach of the Year (2012) | |||
| * ] Coach of the Year (2017) | |||
| }} | |||
| | coaching_records = | | coaching_records = | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Curt Cignetti''' {{IPA|hns|kɜːrt sɪɡˈnɛti|pron}} | |||
| (born June 2, 1961) is an ] coach and former quarterback, currently serving as the head football coach at ]. He has previously held head coaching positions at ], ], and ] (IUP). He is a five-time conference coach of the year and the 2024 ]. | |||
| ==Playing career== | ==Playing career== | ||
| Cignetti was a two-year letterman at ]. |
Cignetti was a two-year letterman at ]. He played in 1 game and rushed for 1 yard. He also passed for 250 yards in one game. <ref>{{cite web |title=WVUStats - Curt Cignetti|url=http://www.wvustats.com/sport/football/player/283 |website=www.wvustats.com |publisher=West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |access-date=16 October 2024}}</ref> | ||
| ==Assistant coaching career== | ==Assistant coaching career== | ||
| After graduating from ], Cignetti began his coaching career as a ] at ] in 1983 under ]. He has also coached at Davidson College, Rice University, and Temple University.<ref name="bio" /> | After graduating from ], Cignetti began his coaching career as a ] at ] in 1983 under ]. He has also coached at Davidson College, Rice University, and Temple University.<ref name="bio">{{Cite web |title=Staff Directory: Curt Cignetti |url=http://www.iupathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=85 |access-date=January 30, 2011 |website=IUPAthletics.com}}</ref> | ||
| In 2000, Cignetti joined ]'s staff at ] (NC State). During his tenure, the Wolfpack achieved significant success, including a school-record 11-win season in 2002. In 2003, he coached quarterback ], who earned ACC Player of the Year honors. Over seven seasons, NC State participated in five bowl games, securing victories in four. Notably, in 2006, Cignetti recruited future Super Bowl champion quarterback ] to the Wolfpack.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /><ref name="Rittenberg2024">{{cite news |last1=Rittenberg |first1=Adam |title=Curt Cignetti's viral rise to making Indiana a College Football Playoff contender |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42487935/curt-cignetti-google-indiana-hoosiers-college-football-playoff |access-date=23 November 2024 |agency=ESPN}}</ref> | In 2000, Cignetti joined ]'s staff at ] (NC State). During his tenure, the Wolfpack achieved significant success, including a school-record 11-win season in 2002. In 2003, he coached quarterback ], who earned ACC Player of the Year honors. Over seven seasons, NC State participated in five bowl games, securing victories in four. Notably, in 2006, Cignetti recruited future Super Bowl champion quarterback ] to the Wolfpack.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /><ref name="Rittenberg2024">{{cite news |last1=Rittenberg |first1=Adam |title=Curt Cignetti's viral rise to making Indiana a College Football Playoff contender |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42487935/curt-cignetti-google-indiana-hoosiers-college-football-playoff |access-date=23 November 2024 |agency=ESPN}}</ref> | ||
| In 2007, Cignetti became part of ]'s inaugural coaching staff at the University of Alabama, serving as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. Under his guidance, the Crimson Tide achieved remarkable success, including a 12–0 regular season in 2008 and a 14–0 national championship season in 2009. During this period, Alabama won 29 consecutive regular-season games. Cignetti played a pivotal role in recruiting and developing key players, such as wide receiver ], Heisman Trophy winner ], and linebacker ]. The 2008 recruiting class |
In 2007, Cignetti became part of ]'s inaugural coaching staff at the University of Alabama, serving as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. Under his guidance, the Crimson Tide achieved remarkable success, including a 12–0 regular season in 2008 and a 14–0 national championship season in 2009. During this period, Alabama won 29 consecutive regular-season games. Cignetti played a pivotal role in recruiting and developing key players, such as wide receiver ], Heisman Trophy winner ], and linebacker ]. The 2008 recruiting class featured six future first-round ] selections.<ref name="Dellenger2024">{{cite news |last1=Dellenger |first1=Ross |title=Forever a basketball school, Curt Cignetti has awakened a 'sleeping giant' of a football program at Indiana |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/forever-a-basketball-school-curt-cignetti-has-awakened-a-sleeping-giant-of-a-football-program-at-indiana-133249231.html |access-date=23 November 2024 |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=20 November 2024}}</ref> | ||
| Cignetti's tenure at Alabama provided him with a comprehensive understanding of program building, encompassing structure, organization, practice methodologies, in-game strategies, and maintaining high performance levels during periods of success. This experience significantly influenced his coaching philosophy, emphasizing process, accountability, and continuous improvement.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /><ref name="Rittenberg2024" /> | |||
| ==Head coaching career== | ==Head coaching career== | ||
| ===IUP (2011–2016)=== | ===IUP (2011–2016)=== | ||
| When Curt Cignetti became head coach at IUP in 2011, the program was coming off a 4–10 conference record. In his first season, he revitalized the team, which won six of its final seven games by an average margin of 28 points, finishing 7–3. The following year, IUP won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title and advanced to the NCAA Regional Finals, ending the season 12–2. In 2013, Cignetti’s team posted a 9–2 record, and he guided IUP to NCAA playoff appearances in both 2015 and 2016. His 2016 team finished 10–2. Across six seasons, Cignetti compiled a 53–17 record at IUP, with three NCAA playoff appearances and two conference championships. On December 31, 2016, he accepted the head coaching position at Elon University.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /><ref name="Rittenberg2024" /> | When Curt Cignetti became head coach at IUP in 2011, the program was coming off a 4–10 conference record in the previous 2 seasons. In his first season, he revitalized the team, which won six of its final seven games by an average margin of 28 points, finishing 7–3. The following year, IUP won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title and advanced to the NCAA Regional Finals, ending the season 12–2. In 2013, Cignetti’s team posted a 9–2 record, and he guided IUP to NCAA playoff appearances in both 2015 and 2016. His 2016 team finished 10–2. Across six seasons, Cignetti compiled a 53–17 record at IUP, with three NCAA playoff appearances and two conference championships. On December 31, 2016, he accepted the head coaching position at Elon University.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /><ref name="Rittenberg2024" /> | ||
| ===Elon (2017–2018)=== | ===Elon (2017–2018)=== | ||
| At Elon, Cignetti inherited a program with a 4–20 conference record and six consecutive losing seasons. In his first year, the Phoenix turned their fortunes around, winning eight straight games after an opening loss to MAC champion Toledo. The team was ranked as high as sixth nationally and competed against James Madison for the conference championship, earning their first NCAA Playoff berth since 2009. For this turnaround, Cignetti was named ] (CAA) Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year award. In 2018, Cignetti led Elon to a historic 27–24 victory over James Madison, snapping JMU's 22-game CAA winning streak and 19-game home winning streak. This marked Elon’s first win over a top-five FCS opponent and helped the team secure back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances for the first time in program history.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Adam |title=EPIC FOR ELON: Phoenix takes down Dukes in dramatic, historic victory |language=en |work=The Times |url=http://www.thetimesnews.com/sports/20181006/epic-for-elon-phoenix-takes-down-dukes-in-dramatic-historic-victory |access-date=October 28, 2018}}</ref |
At Elon, Cignetti inherited a program with a 4–20 conference record and six consecutive losing seasons. In his first year, the Phoenix turned their fortunes around, winning eight straight games after an opening loss to MAC champion Toledo. The team was ranked as high as sixth nationally and competed against James Madison for the conference championship, earning their first NCAA Playoff berth since 2009. For this turnaround, Cignetti was named ] (CAA) Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year award. In 2018, Cignetti led Elon to a historic 27–24 victory over James Madison, snapping JMU's 22-game CAA winning streak and 19-game home winning streak. This marked Elon’s first win over a top-five FCS opponent and helped the team secure back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances for the first time in program history.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Adam |title=EPIC FOR ELON: Phoenix takes down Dukes in dramatic, historic victory |language=en |work=The Times |url=http://www.thetimesnews.com/sports/20181006/epic-for-elon-phoenix-takes-down-dukes-in-dramatic-historic-victory |access-date=October 28, 2018}}</ref> | ||
| ===James Madison (2019–2023)=== | ===James Madison (2019–2023)=== | ||
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| ===Indiana (2024–present)=== | ===Indiana (2024–present)=== | ||
| ====2024 season==== | |||
| Cignetti was named head football coach at Indiana University on November 30, 2023, to replace the recently dismissed ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marot |first=Michael |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Indiana Hoosiers agree to deal with Curt Cignetti as new football coach |url=https://apnews.com/article/indiana-hoosiers-coach-cignetti-4c72c3c4fe97fc1496b1d9cba8f47396 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |website=AP News}}</ref> His tenure began with the daunting challenge of overcoming low expectations, as media voters had predicted Indiana to finish 17th out of 18 teams in the Big Ten. In response, during one of his first press conferences, when asked how he planned to appeal to incoming players, Cignetti confidently responded, "It's pretty simple. I win," before pausing and adding, "Google me."<ref name="x827">{{cite web | last=Capurso | first=Tim | title=Indiana’s Curt Cignetti Makes Ultimate Flex About Winning Record: ‘Google Me’ | website=SI.com | date=2023-12-23 | url=https://www.si.com/college/2023/12/23/indiana-curt-cignetti-flex-winning-record-google-me | access-date=2024-10-17}}</ref> Cignetti’s bold demeanor set the tone for a historic first season with the Hoosiers. He guided the team to its first 8–0 start since 1967, then to a 9–0 record, marking a program milestone, and finally to a 10–0 start, the best in Indiana football history. The Hoosiers achieved their first-ever 10-win season, highlighted by a victory over defending national champions Michigan, earning the team national recognition and a top-five ranking.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /> | |||
| {{See also|2024 Indiana Hoosiers football team}} | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| Cignetti was named head football coach at Indiana University on November 30, 2023, to replace the recently dismissed ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marot |first=Michael |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Indiana Hoosiers agree to deal with Curt Cignetti as new football coach |url=https://apnews.com/article/indiana-hoosiers-coach-cignetti-4c72c3c4fe97fc1496b1d9cba8f47396 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |website=AP News}}</ref> Cignetti guided Indiana to its first 8–0 start since 1967, then to a 9–0 record, marking a program milestone, and finally to a 10–0 start, the best in Indiana football history. The Hoosiers achieved their first-ever 11-win season, highlighted by a victory over defending national champions Michigan, earning the team national recognition, a top-five ranking, and a ] berth.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /><ref name="IU CFP">{{cite web |last1=Niziolek |first1=Michael |title=Indiana football will play Notre Dame in College Football Playoff first round |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2024/12/08/indiana-football-hoosiers-notre-dame-cfp-college-football-playoffs/76851066007/ |website=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | |||
| ==Coaching philosophy== | |||
| Curt Cignetti's coaching philosophy reflects a disciplined, detail-oriented approach shaped by his experiences, including a formative four-year stint under ], which he describes as a "doctorate-level course" in program building. He emphasizes structure, organization, and a commitment to excellence, focusing not only on practice and in-game strategy but also on maintaining a culture of accountability and high standards—even during sustained success. Central to his philosophy is a relentless drive to keep players and staff motivated, ensuring complacency never sets in.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /> | |||
| ⚫ | Indiana University extended Cignetti partway through his first season with a new eight-year contract. The deal doubled his salary to $8 million annually and included commitments to upgrade the football program, such as stadium enhancements and increased athlete and staff compensation.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /> | ||
| Cignetti adopts much of Saban's vocabulary and mindset, frequently referencing concepts like "process," "accountability," and "standards." He stresses the importance of improving daily and maintaining a sharp mental approach. As a demanding leader, he prioritizes precision and expects excellence, mirroring the exacting nature of his former mentor. His methodical and structured coaching style has been instrumental in transforming programs, instilling discipline, and achieving sustained success across multiple levels of college football.<ref name="Dellenger2024" /> | |||
| ==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
| Cignetti and his wife, Manette, have three children, Curt Jr., Carly Ann, and Natalie Elise. |
Cignetti and his wife, Manette, have three children, Curt Jr., Carly Ann, and Natalie Elise.<ref name="geo">{{Cite web |last=Bob Fulton |title=Geography Lesson |url=http://www.iup.edu/magazine/page.aspx?id=73661 |access-date=January 30, 2011 |publisher=IUP Magazine}}</ref> His brother, ], also coaches and was most recently the offensive coordinator at ]. | ||
| ==Head coaching record== | ==Head coaching record== | ||
| {{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | conf = | bowl = | poll = both | poll1 = Coaches | poll2 = AP |
{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | conf = | bowl = | poll = both | poll1 = Coaches | poll2 = AP}} | ||
| {{CFB Yearly Record Subhead | {{CFB Yearly Record Subhead | ||
| | name = ] | | name = ] | ||
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| | year = ] | | year = ] | ||
| | name = ] | | name = ] | ||
| | overall = |
| overall = 11–2 | ||
| | conference = |
| conference = 8–1 | ||
| | confstanding = T–2nd | |||
| | bowlname = ] | |||
| | bowloutcome = L | |||
| | bcsbowl = yes | |||
| | ranking = 10 | |||
| | ranking2 = 10 | |||
| }} | |||
| {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | |||
| | championship = | |||
| | year = ] | |||
| | name = ] | |||
| | overall = 0–0 | |||
| | conference = 0–0 | |||
| | confstanding = | | confstanding = | ||
| | bowlname = | | bowlname = | ||
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| {{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal | {{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal | ||
| | name = Indiana | | name = Indiana | ||
| | overall = |
| overall = 11–2 | ||
| | confrecord = |
| confrecord = 8–1 | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| {{CFB Yearly Record End | {{CFB Yearly Record End | ||
| | overall = |
| overall = 130–37 <!-- As of games through 12/20/24 --> | ||
| | |
| yearstart = 2024 | ||
| | yearend = | |||
| | poll = two | | poll = two | ||
| | |
| polltype2 = Rankings from final AFCA poll for IUP and final STATS poll for Elon and James Madison | ||
| | |
| polltype = Rankings from final Coaches' poll | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| {{notelist|group=record}} | {{notelist|group=record}} | ||
| ==Records and accomplishments== | |||
| ===NCAA Division I=== | |||
| * First NCAA Division I head coach to start 8–0 or better in consecutive seasons at different institutions (], 10–0; ], 10–0) | |||
| ===Indiana=== | |||
| * Most head coaching wins in a single season: 11 (2024) | |||
| * Most ] head coaching wins in a single season: 8 (2024) | |||
| * First head coach to start their tenure with a 4–0 record (2024) | |||
| * First head coach to reach double-digit wins in a single season (2024) | |||
| * First head coach to reach the ] (]) | |||
| ===James Madison=== | |||
| * Most head coaching wins in a single season: 14 (2019) | |||
| ** Tied with ] (2016, 2017) | |||
| * Most ] head coaching wins in a single season: 8 (2019) | |||
| ** Tied with ] (2008, 2016, 2017) | |||
| * First head coach to reach an ] ] (]) | |||
| ===Elon=== | |||
| * First head coach to defeat a top-five FCS opponent (October 16, 2018, at No. 2 ]) | |||
| * First head coach to reach the NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs in back-to-back seasons (]–]) | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
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| {{Big Ten Conference football coach navbox}} | {{Big Ten Conference football coach navbox}} | ||
| {{Navboxes | {{Navboxes | ||
| |list = | | list = | ||
| {{IUP Crimson Hawks football coach navbox}} | {{IUP Crimson Hawks football coach navbox}} | ||
| {{Elon Phoenix football coach navbox}} | {{Elon Phoenix football coach navbox}} | ||
| Line 320: | Line 374: | ||
| {{Indiana Hoosiers football coach navbox}} | {{Indiana Hoosiers football coach navbox}} | ||
| {{2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}} | {{2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}} | ||
| {{Home Depot Coach of the Year}} | |||
| {{Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year Award}} | |||
| {{AFCA Coach of the Year}} | |||
| {{Walter Camp Coach of the Year}} | |||
| {{Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year}} | |||
| {{The Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year}} | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| {{Authority control}} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Cignetti, Curt}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Cignetti, Curt}} | ||
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| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
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| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | |||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:40, 22 January 2025
American football player and coach (born 1961)
 Cignetti in 2024 | |
| Current position | |
|---|---|
| Title | Head coach |
| Team | Indiana |
| Conference | Big Ten |
| Record | 11–2 |
| Annual salary | $8 million |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | (1961-06-02) June 2, 1961 (age 63) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1979–1982 | West Virginia |
| Position(s) | Quarterback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1983–1984 | Pittsburgh (GA) |
| 1985 | Davidson (QB/WR) |
| 1986–1988 | Rice (QB) |
| 1989–1992 | Temple (QB) |
| 1993–1999 | Pittsburgh (QB/TE) |
| 2000–2006 | NC State (QB/TE/RC) |
| 2007–2010 | Alabama (WR/RC) |
| 2011–2016 | IUP |
| 2017–2018 | Elon |
| 2019–2023 | James Madison |
| 2024–present | Indiana |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 130–37 |
| Bowls | 0–1 |
| Tournaments |
|
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| |
| Awards | |
| |
Curt Cignetti pronounced [kɜːrt sɪɡˈnɛti] (born June 2, 1961) is an American football coach and former quarterback, currently serving as the head football coach at Indiana University. He has previously held head coaching positions at James Madison University, Elon University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). He is a five-time conference coach of the year and the 2024 national coach of the year.
Playing career
Cignetti was a two-year letterman at West Virginia University. He played in 1 game and rushed for 1 yard. He also passed for 250 yards in one game.
Assistant coaching career
After graduating from West Virginia, Cignetti began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Pitt in 1983 under Foge Fazio. He has also coached at Davidson College, Rice University, and Temple University.
In 2000, Cignetti joined Chuck Amato's staff at North Carolina State University (NC State). During his tenure, the Wolfpack achieved significant success, including a school-record 11-win season in 2002. In 2003, he coached quarterback Philip Rivers, who earned ACC Player of the Year honors. Over seven seasons, NC State participated in five bowl games, securing victories in four. Notably, in 2006, Cignetti recruited future Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson to the Wolfpack.
In 2007, Cignetti became part of Nick Saban's inaugural coaching staff at the University of Alabama, serving as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. Under his guidance, the Crimson Tide achieved remarkable success, including a 12–0 regular season in 2008 and a 14–0 national championship season in 2009. During this period, Alabama won 29 consecutive regular-season games. Cignetti played a pivotal role in recruiting and developing key players, such as wide receiver Julio Jones, Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram II, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. The 2008 recruiting class featured six future first-round NFL Draft selections.
Head coaching career
IUP (2011–2016)
When Curt Cignetti became head coach at IUP in 2011, the program was coming off a 4–10 conference record in the previous 2 seasons. In his first season, he revitalized the team, which won six of its final seven games by an average margin of 28 points, finishing 7–3. The following year, IUP won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title and advanced to the NCAA Regional Finals, ending the season 12–2. In 2013, Cignetti’s team posted a 9–2 record, and he guided IUP to NCAA playoff appearances in both 2015 and 2016. His 2016 team finished 10–2. Across six seasons, Cignetti compiled a 53–17 record at IUP, with three NCAA playoff appearances and two conference championships. On December 31, 2016, he accepted the head coaching position at Elon University.
Elon (2017–2018)
At Elon, Cignetti inherited a program with a 4–20 conference record and six consecutive losing seasons. In his first year, the Phoenix turned their fortunes around, winning eight straight games after an opening loss to MAC champion Toledo. The team was ranked as high as sixth nationally and competed against James Madison for the conference championship, earning their first NCAA Playoff berth since 2009. For this turnaround, Cignetti was named Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year award. In 2018, Cignetti led Elon to a historic 27–24 victory over James Madison, snapping JMU's 22-game CAA winning streak and 19-game home winning streak. This marked Elon’s first win over a top-five FCS opponent and helped the team secure back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances for the first time in program history.
James Madison (2019–2023)
Cignetti was named head coach at James Madison on December 14, 2018. In his first season, he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, leading the Dukes to a 14–2 record—a seven-game improvement over the previous year—and an appearance in the FCS National Championship game, where they fell to North Dakota State. In the pandemic-affected 2020 season, delayed and shortened to spring 2021, JMU finished 7–1 and reached the FCS Semifinals. The 2021 season saw further success, as the Dukes finished 12–2 and announced their move from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) to the Sun Belt Conference. In their first season at the FBS level in 2022, JMU made a seamless transition, finishing 8–3 and earning a share of the Sun Belt East Division title.
Indiana (2024–present)
2024 season
See also: 2024 Indiana Hoosiers football teamCignetti was named head football coach at Indiana University on November 30, 2023, to replace the recently dismissed Tom Allen. Cignetti guided Indiana to its first 8–0 start since 1967, then to a 9–0 record, marking a program milestone, and finally to a 10–0 start, the best in Indiana football history. The Hoosiers achieved their first-ever 11-win season, highlighted by a victory over defending national champions Michigan, earning the team national recognition, a top-five ranking, and a College Football Playoff berth.
Indiana University extended Cignetti partway through his first season with a new eight-year contract. The deal doubled his salary to $8 million annually and included commitments to upgrade the football program, such as stadium enhancements and increased athlete and staff compensation.
Personal life
Cignetti and his wife, Manette, have three children, Curt Jr., Carly Ann, and Natalie Elise. His brother, Frank Jr., also coaches and was most recently the offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh.
Head coaching record
| Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Bowl/playoffs | Coaches | AP | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IUP Crimson Hawks (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) (2011–2016) | |||||||||
| 2011 | IUP | 7–3 | 5–2 | 3rd (West) | |||||
| 2012 | IUP | 12–2 | 6–1 | 1st (West) | L NCAA Division II Quarterfinal | 7 | |||
| 2013 | IUP | 9–2 | 5–2 | 2nd (West) | 24 | ||||
| 2014 | IUP | 6–5 | 5–4 | 5th (West) | |||||
| 2015 | IUP | 9–3 | 6–1 | T–1st (West) | L NCAA Division II Second Round | 19 | |||
| 2016 | IUP | 10–2 | 6–1 | 2nd (West) | L NCAA Division II Second Round | 12 | |||
| IUP: | 53–17 | 33–11 | |||||||
| Elon Phoenix (Colonial Athletic Association) (2017–2018) | |||||||||
| 2017 | Elon | 8–4 | 6–2 | 3rd | L NCAA Division I First Round | 21 | 20 | ||
| 2018 | Elon | 6–5 | 4–3 | 6th | L NCAA Division I First Round | 19 | 19 | ||
| Elon: | 14–9 | 10–5 | |||||||
| James Madison Dukes (Colonial Athletic Association) (2019–2021) | |||||||||
| 2019 | James Madison | 14–2 | 8–0 | 1st | L NCAA Division I Championship | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2020–21 | James Madison | 7–1 | 3–0 | 1st (South) | L NCAA Division I Semifinal | 3 | 3 | ||
| 2021 | James Madison | 12–2 | 7–1 | T–1st | L NCAA Division I Semifinal | 3 | 3 | ||
| James Madison Dukes (Sun Belt Conference) (2022–2023) | |||||||||
| 2022 | James Madison | 8–3 | 6–2 | T–1st (East) | |||||
| 2023 | James Madison | 11–1 | 7–1 | 1st (East) | Armed Forces | ||||
| James Madison: | 52–9 | 31–4 | |||||||
| Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten Conference) (2024–present) | |||||||||
| 2024 | Indiana | 11–2 | 8–1 | T–2nd | L CFP First Round | 10 | 10 | ||
| 2025 | Indiana | 0–0 | 0–0 | ||||||
| Indiana: | 11–2 | 8–1 | |||||||
| Total: | 130–37 | ||||||||
| National championship Conference title Conference division title or championship game berth | |||||||||
| |||||||||
- ^ James Madison was not eligible for their conference title or post-season play in their first two years of FBS transition while members of the Sun Belt Conference. They tied or had the best record in their division but were technically not division champions due to their transitional restrictions.
- Cignetti left for Indiana before JMU's bowl game
Records and accomplishments
NCAA Division I
- First NCAA Division I head coach to start 8–0 or better in consecutive seasons at different institutions (James Madison in 2023, 10–0; Indiana in 2024, 10–0)
Indiana
- Most head coaching wins in a single season: 11 (2024)
- Most Big Ten Conference head coaching wins in a single season: 8 (2024)
- First head coach to start their tenure with a 4–0 record (2024)
- First head coach to reach double-digit wins in a single season (2024)
- First head coach to reach the College Football Playoff (2024–25)
James Madison
- Most head coaching wins in a single season: 14 (2019)
- Tied with Mike Houston (2016, 2017)
- Most Coastal Athletic Association head coaching wins in a single season: 8 (2019)
- Tied with Mike Houston (2008, 2016, 2017)
- First head coach to reach an NCAA Division I FBS bowl game (2023 Armed Forces Bowl)
Elon
- First head coach to defeat a top-five FCS opponent (October 16, 2018, at No. 2 James Madison)
- First head coach to reach the NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs in back-to-back seasons (2017–2018)
References
- ^ Dellenger, Ross (November 20, 2024). "Forever a basketball school, Curt Cignetti has awakened a 'sleeping giant' of a football program at Indiana". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
- "WVUStats - Curt Cignetti". www.wvustats.com. West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- "Staff Directory: Curt Cignetti". IUPAthletics.com. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
- ^ Rittenberg, Adam. "Curt Cignetti's viral rise to making Indiana a College Football Playoff contender". ESPN. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
- Smith, Adam. "EPIC FOR ELON: Phoenix takes down Dukes in dramatic, historic victory". The Times. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
- Marot, Michael (November 30, 2023). "Indiana Hoosiers agree to deal with Curt Cignetti as new football coach". AP News. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
- Niziolek, Michael. "Indiana football will play Notre Dame in College Football Playoff first round". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
- Bob Fulton. "Geography Lesson". IUP Magazine. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
External links
| Head football coaches of the Big Ten Conference | |
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- 1961 births
- Living people
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- Coaches of American football from Pennsylvania
- Davidson Wildcats football coaches
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